Former Svobodnyy-18 ICBM Base To Launch Satellites

After visiting Svobodnyy-18 today we received
visual proof that the infrastructure of the facility and the
buildings left behind by the strategic rocket division already
form a solid base for the Main Center for Testing and Utilizing
Space Hardware. Just take a look for yourselves. [video shows
aerial view of grassy area crisscrossed by roads, groups of
one-storey buildings, remains of a demolished missile silo]
We flew over the combat launching sites in a helicopter to
see where the missiles had been deployed. There were a total of
60 such sites. In accordance with the Strategic Arms Reduction
Treaty with the United States, 55 silos were blown up.
Recultivation of the land is just beginning. The five
remaining silos will be used by the Main Center for Testing and
Utilizing Space Hardware. We visited one of them. The 40-tonne
cover plate moved aside on rails and a silo more than 20 meters
deep opened up before us. [video shows silo cover opening, then
cuts to show Major General A. N. Vinidiktov, chief of the Main
Center for Testing and Utilizing Space Hardware, talking to
reporter]
[Begin Vinidiktov recording] This is t

he combat launch
position for an intercontinental ballistic missile. Disassembly
has already been completed and the launch site has been prepared
for demolition. However, because there are plans to use it in
again it has been preserved in the condition it was in during
the final stage of disassembly work. [end recording]
It is quite possible that in 1996 this is precisely the
place
from which a satellite will be launched. And now imagine how
much money would be needed, how much would be literally buried
in the ground, if the test center had to be developed elsewhere?
The military units are already being gradually supplemented
with new people today and new recruits arrived recently.
Officers, academy graduates, and young lieutenants are
expected. There are 33 communal buildings in the residential
town today and very soon this will not be enough and new
construction will begin. [video shows military residential area,
troops marching through town]

In conclusion I would like to draw your attention once again
to the fact that the Main Center for Testing and Utilizing Space
Hardware is located in Svobodnyy-18 today, not a cosmodrome for
manned space flights. Yes, space satellites will be launched
from here, but the launches will be carried out on an already
available basis. As far as a cosmodrome for manned space flight
is concerned, it still remains to be built, and the decision on
this will be worked out by the Russian President's staff [u
prezidenta] and all sides concerned will be involved.